For starters, Rays at Marlins, seeking change

UPDATE, 12:15: Maddon said Brignac will be away until Friday, rejoining the team at home. He was aware of his grandfather's passing before Saturday's game but wanted to play. ... Maddon said it wasn't a plan to move Longoria back to the No. 3 spot, more a product of the construction of today's lineup, trying to balance left- and right-handed hitters. ... Lopez likely will only be around for four games, but could be used as a pinch-hitter today and may start at first base on Monday in Detroit vs. lefty Phil Coke.

UPDATE, 10:52: Rays lineup has a couple twists, with Elliot Johnson leading off, Longoria back to the No. 3 spot, and Damon, as expected, in left with Fuld on the bench.

DEVELOPING: The Rays are looking to avoid being swept by the Marlins in today's finale of the three-game interleague series in warm and sunny south Florida.

There has already been news today, as SS Reid Brignac has left the team and been placed on the bereavement list following the death of his grandfather. INF Felipe Lopez was re-added to the 40-man roster and called up from Durham and is expected to arrive in time for the game.

A lack of offense has been the Rays biggest problem, and look for manager Joe Maddon to try to address that today by starting Johnny Damon in leftfield and keeping struggling Sam Fuld on the bench.

About the blog

The Tampa Bay Rays will head into the 2015 season with Evan Longoria, Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and plenty of new faces, including manager Kevin Cash. Can they upend the Orioles in the highly competitive AL East? Come here to follow Rays news at Tropicana Field and beyond.